Chocolat by Joanne Harris (1999). Summary of the book.

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Chocolat by Joanne Harris (1999): Summary of the Book

Chocolat is a novel by British author Joanne Harris, published in 1999. It tells the story of Vianne Rocher, an expert chocolatier and single mother, who arrives in the fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her daughter, Anouk. Vianne opens a chocolate shop and soon finds herself in a clash with the village priest, Father Reynaud, who considers her shop a public nuisance and a threat to his authority.

Plot Summary

Vianne’s shop is a success, and the villagers gradually come to accept her presence and her unique chocolates. Anouk also makes friends in the village, but Father Reynaud is still determined to be rid of Vianne. He attempts to persuade the villagers to shun her, but fails. When Easter arrives, Father Reynaud organizes a Lenten fast and attempts to shut down Vianne’s shop. Despite his efforts, Vianne continues to serve her chocolates and is eventually accepted by the villagers.

When the Easter celebration is disrupted by a group of gypsies, Vianne helps them and they repay her with a gift of a rooster. The rooster soon causes chaos in the village and Vianne is blamed. Father Reynaud is determined to use this as an excuse to get rid of her, but the villagers come to her defense. Eventually, Father Reynaud is forced to accept Vianne and the villagers come to accept the gypsies. In the end, Vianne decides to move on and leaves the village with Anouk.

Main Teachings

The novel is ultimately a story of acceptance. Vianne is an outsider in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and she must fight to be accepted and prove her worth. She succeeds in doing this by showing the villagers that she is kind, generous and understanding. In the end, the villagers come to accept Vianne and the gypsies, embracing them both as part of the community.

The novel also deals with the idea of freedom. Vianne is determined to live her life on her own terms, to do as she pleases and to be free from the constraints of society. She refuses to be controlled by Father Reynaud and ultimately succeeds in winning her freedom. The novel also deals with the idea of faith, as Vianne has a very different view of religion than Father Reynaud. While Father Reynaud is stuck in his ways, Vianne is open to different beliefs and perspectives.

Curiosities and Interesting Facts

The novel was adapted into a film in 2000, starring Juliette Binoche as Vianne and Johnny Depp as Roux, a gypsy who helps Vianne. The film was a success, receiving three Oscar nominations. The novel was also adapted into a stage musical in 2013, which has been performed in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Chocolat was Harris’ second novel, following Five Quarters of the Orange in 1995. It was an instant success and has sold over two million copies worldwide. It has been translated into over twenty languages and is considered to be Harris’ most popular novel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the plot of Chocolat?
    The plot of Chocolat is about Vianne Rocher, an expert chocolatier and single mother, who arrives in the fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her daughter, Anouk. Vianne opens a chocolate shop and soon finds herself in a clash with the village priest, Father Reynaud, who considers her shop a public nuisance and a threat to his authority. Despite his efforts, Vianne continues to serve her chocolates and is eventually accepted by the villagers. When the Easter celebration is disrupted by a group of gypsies, Vianne helps them and they repay her with a gift of a rooster. The rooster soon causes chaos in the village and Vianne is blamed. Father Reynaud is determined to use this as an excuse to get rid of her, but the villagers come to her defense. Eventually, Father Reynaud is forced to accept Vianne and the villagers come to accept the gypsies. In the end, Vianne decides to move on and leaves the village with Anouk.
  • Who wrote Chocolat?
    Chocolat was written by British author Joanne Harris, and published in 1999.
  • Has Chocolat been adapted into a film?
    Yes, Chocolat was adapted into a film in 2000, starring Juliette Binoche as Vianne and Johnny Depp as Roux, a gypsy who helps Vianne. The film was a success, receiving three Oscar nominations.
  • What is the main teaching of Chocolat?
    The main teaching of Chocolat is acceptance. Vianne is an outsider in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes and she must fight to be accepted and prove her worth. She succeeds in doing this by showing the villagers that she is kind, generous and understanding. In the end, the villagers come to accept Vianne and the gypsies, embracing them both as part of the community.

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